VIDEO: Two killed on Vancouver Island after bus crashes carrying university students

Two people have been killed after a bus carrying students from the University of Victoria crashed en route to the Marine Sciences Centre at Bamfield.

The bus, carrying 48 people including the driver, rolled over around the 36-kilometre marker near the Carmanah Main Junction on a gravel road, at around 10 p.m. on Friday, RCMP told Black Press Media.

Officials with @cityportalberni and the RCMP expected to give an update later this morning. Here are some of the students arriving at the reception centre, waiting to be bused back to Victoria. No update on the status of the third patient transported to hospital. pic.twitter.com/i6oaW9QBD9

Three people had been airlifted to Victoria General Hospital – two in critical condition, one in serious condition, said officials with the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and BC Emergency Health Services.

The remaining victims were taken to a reception centre at Echo Centre, set up by the City of Port Alberni, to be bused back to Victoria.

Two helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft from 442 Squadron Comox were deployed to assist the Port Alberni RCMP, paramedics, and firefighters.

“Last night was tough,” the Port Alberni Fire Department said in a tweet Saturday morning.

“Unfortunately, two passengers perished on-scene. Our thoughts are with the family and friends affected.”